​The recently recognised global distribution of a self-transferable plasmid-borne colistin resistance gene (mcr-1) poses a substantial public health risk to the EU/EEA because it further limits treatment options in patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. It can spread colistin resistance more easily between bacteria and humans than chromosomal mutation.

MDR gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains that acquire the mcr-1 gene, remain susceptible to only a few antimicrobial agents, which means that infections caused by these strains are very difficult to treat.

This is a topic we've covered extensively in the past, going back to November of last year when the first cases were announced. A partial list of earlier blogs includes: